Business sets table for Habitat for Humanity

An offer from a downtown business makes for a bed of roses for Habitat for Humanity Sault Ste. Marie and Area.

The Furniture Gallery will donate seven per cent of “anything and everything” it sells this weekend, including kitchen sets, couches and lamps, to the non-profit organization that helps build housing for city residents in need, said business owner Randy Dumanski.

“They do wonderful work,” said Richard Kokopelli of Habitat for Humanity. He has lived above The Furniture Gallery since January 2016. Kokopelli is helping Dumanski with the three-day sale. “(Randy) helps others. I've watched it.”

Kokopelli, as a promoter and musician, teamed with charities when he lived in British Columbia playing with talent such as Laurie Cook, Kristi Stafford, The Sea Lizards and Thirsty Ears.
“I realized how effective these kind of charitable events can be for everybody involved,” he said. “I thought why not apply that same principle to this event.”

Sale proceeds support Habitat for Humanity's next building project, planned for McAllan Street in 2018.

Some inventory from Habitat for Humanity's ReStore, including lamps, couch and love seat, are on display for purchase in a vacant storefront next door.

The Furniture Gallery is open until 7 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m on Saturday and noon to 4 p.m on Sunday.

“I hope this catches on,” said Kokopelli. “I hope this is a success.”

He is also hopeful other businesses will opt to help Habitat for Humanity too.

Sandi Wheeler, resource development manager for the group, calls The Furniture Gallery's help “really, really great.”

“It takes a lot of money to build a home and without the support of the community and support of local businesses that would never happen,” she told The Sault Star.

Habitat for Humanity representatives will be at the business all weekend. Donations are also being accepted.

More than 50 families applied for consideration for the duplex on McAllan Street which is tentatively planned to be ready for occupancy late next year. The two families chosen for the new home will likely be selected before construction starts.

“They are part of the build,” said Wheeler. “It's their home so they help us build the home.”

Selection is based on a family's need and their ability to afford a conventional mortgage while still having a stable income.

The homes will be the tenth and eleventh to be built by Habitat for Humanity in the city.

“We're finally hitting double digits with this next build which is really exciting,” said Wheeler.

The Furniture Gallery is also offering Habitat for Humanity use of the neighbouring vacant space for a screening of the 1975 cult classic, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, on Oct. 13 at 8 p.m. Advance tickets cost $10 and are available at ReStore or The Furniture Gallery. Door admission is $15. Actor Timothy Murphy hosts. Admission is limited to ages 19 and up.